The Internet has become such a pervasive part of our lives, it’s no surprise that Consumer Electronic (CE) devices designed for entertainment use are following suit.  Manufacturers are building-in the technology needed so their products can join home networks and go online independently. And while this has yet to be touted as the most important feature in a CE device, it certainly is the one most able to keep it from becoming outdated. Here are some examples of what this connectivity can do, and how it’s going to change things in the near future.

Getting Firm
CE devices could benefit from what computer users take for granted - being able to download and install software corrections and updates that add new features. The problem lies in getting the update to consumers in a timely fashion, but that’s where the Internet comes in. For example, there was an update for our Oppo DVD player on its web site. We downloaded the file, burned it to a CD and inserted it into the player which then updated itself. But contrast that with one of Toshiba’s HD DVD players, whose Ethernet connection directly downloads and installs an update into the player. That’s not just more convenient but also more likely to get implemented because the function is built-in. Plus, you’re likely to get more updates since it’s more cost-effective for the manufacturer to distribute them this way.

Take A Look
Media centers such as Netgear’s Digital Home Entertainer, AppleTV and others are integrating with televisions by providing content taken off a PC and the web. This is also being emulated by amplifiers, such as Denon’s AVR-4308CI which offers an Ethernet port to play music from a PC or stream Internet radio (and even adding WiFi capabilities). But it becomes much easier if the technology is built into the TV itself, as evidenced by HP’s MediaSmart TVs - which directly accesses a HP portal for a variety of entertainment options. The TV works through wired or wireless connections, takes care of setting itself up and using it is like just selecting another channel to watch. Sony meanwhile has their BRAVIA Video Internet link, a module that attaches to select Sony models (such as the KDL-46V3000 flat panel). The broadband connection works through a wired network, no PC is required and for practical purposes, it’s the TV that is doing all the work, accessing online video, music and other content.

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